🍷 Alcohol Awareness Week 2025
7–13 July 2025
This year’s Alcohol Awareness Week, coordinated by Alcohol Change UK, runs from 7 to 13 July, focusing on the theme “Alcohol & Work.” The campaign explores how alcohol can affect our professional lives—from workplace culture and after-work drinks to the impact of drinking on productivity, relationships, and mental health.
❗ Why It Matters
- Around 10 million UK adults regularly drink in ways that could damage their health.
- One in three pub visits is now alcohol-free, showing a shift toward mindful drinking.
- Stress, isolation, shift work, and peer pressure can all increase drinking, especially in work settings.
Alcohol affects not only our physical and mental wellbeing, but also relationships and job performance. Awareness and small changes can make a big difference.
✅ What You Can Do This Week
1. Reflect on your drinking habits
Track your intake using apps like Try Dry or speak to a professional if you’re concerned. Small steps—like having alcohol-free days—can improve sleep, focus, and mood.
2. Start a conversation at work
Employers and employees can help change the culture by offering alcohol-free social options and encouraging open dialogue about stress, mental health, and drinking. Workplace resources are freely available.
3. Share your experience
Talking about cutting back, going sober, or supporting a loved one helps challenge stigma and lets others know they’re not alone. Alcohol Change UK welcomes personal stories to help inspire others.
📍 Local Support in Newham
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol, Newham residents can access free, confidential help from local services:
👉 CGL Newham Rise (Change Grow Live)
Offers support for adults and young people affected by alcohol or drug use.
- Phone: 0800 652 3879
- Email: newham.referrals@cgl.org.uk
- CGL Newham Rise website
Services include:
- One-to-one keyworker sessions
- Detox and rehabilitation support
- Group programmes and peer support
- Family and carer support
- Blood-borne virus screening
- Help for young people aged 11–18
You can self-refer or ask your GP or another health professional to refer you.
🧠 National Support & Resources
- Alcohol Change UK: Campaign toolkits, advice, and resources
- Drinkaware: Alcohol unit calculators, support, and facts
- NHS Alcohol Advice: Health risks, treatment options, and where to get help
- Hub of Hope: Search local mental health and addiction services by postcode
🚨 Concerned About Someone?
If someone is drinking heavily and showing signs of withdrawal, aggression, confusion, or severe anxiety, speak to your GP or call NHS 111 for advice. In an emergency, call 999.
💬 Final Thoughts
Alcohol Awareness Week is a chance to reflect, reset, and reach out. Whether you’re cutting back, supporting someone else, or learning more, help is available both locally and nationally.
Our GP practice is here to support you—please speak to us in confidence if you’re worried about your drinking or someone else’s.
Let’s raise awareness, not our glasses—this Alcohol Awareness Week.
